If you have any lagoon problems, such as algae or weed growth, you may contact the Public Works Department or report your issue online byclicking here.

The Foster City Lagoon as a drainage detention basin is designed to withstand successfully a storm of 100 year return frequency, or a storm of such severity that it is likely to occur only once each century. The lagoon therefore provides maximum drainage security for Foster City. Stormwater collected throughout the City flows to the Foster City Lagoon. All storm water enters the storm drain system through curb inlets and catch basins, and drains into the lagoon from which it is pumped into the bay.

How well does the Foster City Lagoon system work as a drainage catch basin? During the El Niño rainstorms of 1997/98, which were very close to a 100-year frequency severity, the City of Foster City experienced no flooding while surrounding cities in San Mateo County experienced major drainage problems. Thanks to the effectiveness of its lagoon system, Foster City has never experienced major flooding.

It is unlawful to dispose of any substances that may contaminate the lagoon and storm water system or cause blockages of the storm drainage system. In the event of flooding due to a blockage of the storm drain system, contact the Foster City Streets Department.

Why do we adjust the lagoon levels seasonally?

Our primary reasons for seasonal adjustment are:

To provide adequate storm water controls;

To allow storm water to run off to prevent flooding;

To maximize recreation potential during weekends and holidays;

To minimize nutrient concentrations in the lagoon;

To minimize detrimental bacteria growth;

To comply with the operational requirements of the permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board; and

To help maintenance personnel clean over 1,000 storm catch basins throughout the city.

Lagoon Facts

The surface area of the Foster City Lagoon is approximately 212 acres.

The average depth of the lagoon is approximately six feet.

The average temperature of the lagoon is approximately 60° in the winter and 69° during summer

Maintenance staff uses an environmentally safe pond dye that blocks sunlight disrupting photosynthesis, which impedes the growth of aquatic weeds. The secondary effect is the beautiful blue color, which is purely aesthetic.

Around Mid-March, water in the lagoon is raised to summer operating levels. The water level will usually be maintained between one or two feet from the elevation 100, which is the design height of most lagoon bulkheads. The water level will be generally higher on weekends and holidays to accommodate recreational uses, and the water level will be lower mid-week. This is done to promote maximum water exchange in the lagoon.

Lower Levels:

In Mid-November, the lagoon level is lowered to prepare for frequent winter storms. If a major storm is forecast during summer, the levels will be lowered to accommodate the anticipated runoff.